The Priesthood and the Savior’s Atoning Power
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does Elder Renlund compare the priesthood to a rocket?
- What is the "payload" that the priesthood is meant to deliver?
- Why is the Savior’s atoning power essential for our return to Heavenly Father?
- What safeguards are in place to protect the use of the priesthood?
- What are the covenants associated with the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods?
Topics
Understand the Role of the Priesthood
Elder Renlund compares the priesthood to a rocket and the Savior’s atoning power to the payload. He explains that the priesthood is essential in delivering the blessings of the Savior’s atoning power, which is necessary for our salvation and exaltation.
Because of His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ has the power and authority to redeem all mankind.
The priesthood delivers these opportunities. It is the rocket.
- How does Elder Renlund describe the relationship between the priesthood and the Savior’s atoning power?
- Why is the priesthood essential for the salvation and exaltation of God’s children?
- How can you better understand the role of the priesthood in your life?
- What experiences have you had where the priesthood has helped you access the Savior’s atoning power?
Recognize the Importance of Covenants
Elder Renlund discusses the covenants associated with both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. He emphasizes the seriousness of these covenants and the blessings that come from honoring them.
A covenant becomes a pledge of self.
An Aaronic Priesthood holder covenants to avoid evil, help others be reconciled to God, and prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood.
- What are the covenants associated with the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods?
- Why are covenants with God considered serious and solemn?
- How can you better prepare to make and honor priesthood covenants?
- What steps can you take to ensure you are fulfilling your priesthood responsibilities?
Safeguard the Use of the Priesthood
Elder Renlund explains how priesthood keys and covenants safeguard the conferral and use of the priesthood. He likens this to protecting a rocket from defects that could cause mission failure.
To guard the priesthood from, metaphorically, brittle seals and material fatigue, God protects both its conferral and use.
Priesthood conferral is safeguarded by priesthood keys, which are the rights of presidency given to man.
- What safeguards are in place to protect the use of the priesthood?
- How do priesthood keys and covenants ensure the proper use of the priesthood?
- What can you do to ensure you are using the priesthood properly?
- How can you strengthen your commitment to the covenants you have made?
Magnify Your Priesthood Responsibilities
Elder Renlund urges priesthood holders to magnify their responsibilities by living the commandments, bearing testimony, and becoming friends with the Savior. He outlines the blessings promised to those who faithfully fulfill their priesthood duties.
A Melchizedek Priesthood holder covenants to ... magnify his calling in the Melchizedek Priesthood.
He will become heir to the blessings of Abraham and, along with his wife, joint-heir with Jesus Christ to Heavenly Father’s kingdom.
- What does it mean to magnify your priesthood responsibilities?
- What blessings are promised to those who faithfully fulfill their priesthood duties?
- How can you better magnify your priesthood responsibilities?
- What specific actions can you take to live the commandments more diligently?
Experience the Joy of Priesthood Service
Elder Renlund shares a personal story about restoring a young man’s priesthood and temple blessings. He emphasizes the profound joy that comes from using the priesthood to help others access the Savior’s atoning power.
The joy that came over us was profound.
I have come to realize that the purpose of ... using the priesthood of God in any way, is to assist Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in Their work.
- What experience did Elder Renlund share about restoring a young man’s priesthood and temple blessings?
- How does using the priesthood to help others bring joy?
- How can you seek out opportunities to use the priesthood to serve others?
- What are some ways you have felt joy through priesthood service?
